By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, June 26 (UNB) – Finance Minister AMA Muhith on Saturday admitted government’s failure to mitigate electricity crisis in its first year but blamed pervasive corruption for impeding power sector development.
“It’s only because of corruption that we could do nothing… it compelled us to go for quick rental power plants to address the demand of electricity in the short-term,” he said at a post-budget discussion in the afternoon.
Bazlur Rahman Foundation arranged the discussion at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) with its chairman Khondkar Ibrahim Khalid in the chair.
Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister GM Qader, former finance adviser to the caretaker government Dr Mirza Azizul Islam, economist Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, Rashed Khan Menon MP, former Bangladesh Bank governor Dr Farash Uddin, economist MM Akash, outgoing FBCCI president Annisul Huq, editor of the Financial Express Moazzem Hossain and woman entrepreneur Selima Ahmed, among others, took part in the discussion.
Speaking as chief guest at the discussion, Finance Minister Muhith defended the government stand on quick rental power plants, saying they could not finalize a deal even after inviting tenders for the fourth time, which compelled them to opt for quick rental power plants.
He said: “The subsidy that will be required for the power sector is not high considering the reality… development works will not be hampered if the government’s roadmap for the power sector is implemented.”
Muhith reiterated the government plan to add some 1200 megawatt of electricity in the national grid within this year.
He said two power plants each having 100 megawatt generation capacity –one run by diesel and the other by furnace oil - would go into generation in July and September. This will improve the power situation.
About the government’s road map for power sector development, he said as it would take time to go for coal-based power generation, they would allow diesel and furnace oil-based power generation for maximum two and five years respectively.
Responding to a discussant’s concern, the Finance Minister said: “In reality, we don’t see any political uncertainty. It’s only found in public speeches and television talk-shows.”
Muhith said the government would bring reforms in income tax within next six months to modernize the entire process.
He justified the duty cut on imported powdered milk and said this is temporary. “We took the decision to keep the local market stable as the price of powdered milk increased sharply in international market.”
Defending the budget deficit, he said: “It’s not a deficit at all for a country like Bangladesh.”
Talking about effective administration that is urgently needed for balanced development, the Finance Minister said politicization has destroyed effective administration.
He said some state-owned enterprises including Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) have turned into sick industries. “There will be specific directives on the sick industries in the coming industrial policy.”
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister GM Qader in his speech said corruption-free administration and governance are the two challenges for the government, which will have to be ensured for ADP implementation.
“Proper targeting and intensive monitoring are needed for qualitative implementation of budget. As we’re in government, we’ll seriously look into the matter.”
He said the government should take a quick decision on coal policy for implementing its roadmap for power sector development.
Dr Mirza Azizul Islam said that attaining the targeted 6.7 percent GDP growth depends on private sector investment. He thinks 5 percent deficit financing is not a big deal in Bangladesh perspective.
END/UNB/
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
WB backs BBS’s projected growth rate; predicts 0.7 % increase in growth in next fiscal ; It says 5.5 % GDP growth is good, respectable
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, June 24 (UNB) - Supporting the BBS’s projected 5.5 percent growth in the outgoing fiscal, the World Bank (WB) predicts 0.7 percent increase in the GDP growth rate in the coming fiscal, if the government can ensure progress in investment, especially public investment, and financial management.
The WB thinks the 5.5 % GDP growth is good and respectable as it has been achieved in an adverse economic environment with the global recession, and natural disasters.
“The debate on growth rate projected by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (5.5 %) and Finance Ministry (6 %) is unnecessary……we prefer the data of the BBS as it is the authority to provide such data,” acting WB country director Dr Zahid Hussain said on Thursday, while presenting the Bank’s views on the national budget.
The WB in its assessment report says that the proposed budget for the fiscal 2010-11 intends to be more self-reliant, infrastructure-friendly and inclusive, but it lacks a concrete roadmap for its implementation, specific directives on policy and institutional reforms.
“It’s an ambitious budget but we’re not saying that it’s unachievable. Desired economic growth with increased rate of ADP implementation will depend on three factors - fate (political stability, natural disaster), investment and financial management,” he said.
Dr Hossain observed that though the rate of ADP (annual development programme) implementation has increased in the outgoing fiscal, the implementation rate in the priority sectors like energy and infrastructure is not remarkable.
“A concrete policy stance and quick decision on the financial viability of the energy sector is needed to boost ADP implementation rate,” Dr Zahid said adding some tough decisions will have to be taken, and the sooner they are the better.
He said the government will have to ensure high implementation rate of investment programmes in key growth areas - energy, roads, railways, bridge, shipping and water resources.
Advocating subsidy in the power and energy sector, the WB economist said subsidy and additional allocation for power and energy sector would not hamper growth rather it would boost growth if power and gas supply can be increased through subsidy. But the subsidies will have to be made transparent through explicit provisions in the budget.
Replying to a question he said: “Foreign financing from donors isn’t increasing. If the ADP implementation rate, which is widely dependent on sufficient supply of electricity and gas, is increased, foreign direct investment will also see an uptrend.”
Explaining the WB’s stance on whitening undisclosed money, Dr Zahid said both political and non-political governments have allowed such scope in the past “It has not worked in the past, and there is no reason why we should think that it will work in the future.”
He said there are two arguments on whitening undisclosed money. One is that it will boost individual investment and the second argument is that it will increase government’s revenue income but it should be ensured that the undisclosed money will be invested in productive sectors.
“But our previous experience tells if we expect economic impact on investment and revenue through giving scope for whitening undisclosed money, it won’t be justified.”
The WB wants to see progress in enhancing the financial and administrative authority of local government institutions, greater efficiency and transparency in implementing new VAT Act and activating the newly established PPP (public-private partnership) scheme to ensure desired economic growth.
The WB assessment finds that inflation has eased but monetary growth is still high and continuation of vigilance is a must to check it. It suggested the government reduce its reliance on National Savings Certificates (NSCs).
Dhaka, June 24 (UNB) - Supporting the BBS’s projected 5.5 percent growth in the outgoing fiscal, the World Bank (WB) predicts 0.7 percent increase in the GDP growth rate in the coming fiscal, if the government can ensure progress in investment, especially public investment, and financial management.
The WB thinks the 5.5 % GDP growth is good and respectable as it has been achieved in an adverse economic environment with the global recession, and natural disasters.
“The debate on growth rate projected by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (5.5 %) and Finance Ministry (6 %) is unnecessary……we prefer the data of the BBS as it is the authority to provide such data,” acting WB country director Dr Zahid Hussain said on Thursday, while presenting the Bank’s views on the national budget.
The WB in its assessment report says that the proposed budget for the fiscal 2010-11 intends to be more self-reliant, infrastructure-friendly and inclusive, but it lacks a concrete roadmap for its implementation, specific directives on policy and institutional reforms.
“It’s an ambitious budget but we’re not saying that it’s unachievable. Desired economic growth with increased rate of ADP implementation will depend on three factors - fate (political stability, natural disaster), investment and financial management,” he said.
Dr Hossain observed that though the rate of ADP (annual development programme) implementation has increased in the outgoing fiscal, the implementation rate in the priority sectors like energy and infrastructure is not remarkable.
“A concrete policy stance and quick decision on the financial viability of the energy sector is needed to boost ADP implementation rate,” Dr Zahid said adding some tough decisions will have to be taken, and the sooner they are the better.
He said the government will have to ensure high implementation rate of investment programmes in key growth areas - energy, roads, railways, bridge, shipping and water resources.
Advocating subsidy in the power and energy sector, the WB economist said subsidy and additional allocation for power and energy sector would not hamper growth rather it would boost growth if power and gas supply can be increased through subsidy. But the subsidies will have to be made transparent through explicit provisions in the budget.
Replying to a question he said: “Foreign financing from donors isn’t increasing. If the ADP implementation rate, which is widely dependent on sufficient supply of electricity and gas, is increased, foreign direct investment will also see an uptrend.”
Explaining the WB’s stance on whitening undisclosed money, Dr Zahid said both political and non-political governments have allowed such scope in the past “It has not worked in the past, and there is no reason why we should think that it will work in the future.”
He said there are two arguments on whitening undisclosed money. One is that it will boost individual investment and the second argument is that it will increase government’s revenue income but it should be ensured that the undisclosed money will be invested in productive sectors.
“But our previous experience tells if we expect economic impact on investment and revenue through giving scope for whitening undisclosed money, it won’t be justified.”
The WB wants to see progress in enhancing the financial and administrative authority of local government institutions, greater efficiency and transparency in implementing new VAT Act and activating the newly established PPP (public-private partnership) scheme to ensure desired economic growth.
The WB assessment finds that inflation has eased but monetary growth is still high and continuation of vigilance is a must to check it. It suggested the government reduce its reliance on National Savings Certificates (NSCs).
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
DCCI wants quick finalization of coal policy, stable public policy for PPP, continuation of SOEs privatization policy to accelerate economic growth
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, June 23 (UNB) - The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) on Wednesday stood against government’s policy to stop privatization of state owned enterprises (SOEs) and sought continuation of SOEs privatization policy to accelerate economic growth.
The trade body also wants stable public policy for the desired implementation of long-term development projects under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) scheme and to increase confidence in the business sector through greater protection for their investment.
“We won’t support it if the government stops privatization of SOEs. It should continue and we strongly recommend the continuation of SOEs privatization policy because it will generate funds for development activities,” said the DCCI President Abul Kasem Khan in a post-budget press conference held at its conference room today.
Khan said they want “standardised guidelines,” whoever comes to power, for PPP in order to implement unimpeded long-term projects, saying “it will boost investment and our confidence.”
The trade body head also came up with a number of budgetary recommendations for the government including quick finalization of coal policy, declaration of industrial policy, additional allocation for the power and energy sectors, special allocations for a better transportation system in Dhaka and reduction of tax at source to achieve the targeted GDP growth and required economic development.
The DCCI president thinks the targeted 6.7 percent GDP (gross domestic product) growth is achievable if the shortcomings including electricity crisis are addressed properly.
“We proposed an allocation of Tk 10,000 crore for the development of power and energy sector. We still feel that the proposed allocation (Tk 6115 crore) is insufficient and it should be increased to boost investment and businessmen’s confidence,” Abul Kasem said.
With regards to the inadequate transportation system in capital city, DCCI sought a special allocation of Tk 5000 crore for the betterment of Dhaka city transportation.
DCCI lauded government for paying special attention to the railways sector and urged the government to create a separate ministry titled ‘Ministry of Railways’, which the DCCI thinks will help achieve the desired level of development in the communication sector.
DCCI drew the government’s attention to the development of the Dhaka-Chittagong Economic Corridor (DCEC) to facilitate country’s decentralized development apart from improving transportation between Dhaka-Chittagong.
Reminding the government of the need for a quick announcement of industrial policy, the DCCI president said they want to see a synchronization of industrial policy and fiscal policy to accelerate industrialization in the country.
Replying to a question, the DCCI boss said he does not think the size of ADP (annual development programme) is challenging, rather its proper implementation is. “The government should prioritize the projects.”
While presenting a case study on the impact of the proposed tax hike at source, DCCI director Asif Ibrahim said: “It’ll be an unwise move to increase the tax at source from existing 0.25 percent to 1 percent.”
Asif said the export sector is already losing its competitiveness due to volatile raw material prices and if the government does not withdraw the decision it will badly hamper exports. “We urge the government to keep the existing tax at source which is 0.25 percent.”
Other DCCI recommendations include increasing the ceiling of tax-free income from Tk 1.65 lakh to 2 lakh, reduction of corporate tax of listed and unlisted companies and banks, reduction of tax on company dividend income, reduction of advance income tax (AIT), reduction of import duty on raw materials from 5% to 3 % to stimulate local industry, and reduction of advance trade VAT on import.
DCCI wants proper implementation of its proposals placed to the government to simplify tax collection system and to mitigate harassment of taxpayers.
“The government’s proposal to set up tax offices across the country will increase revenue expenditure and people’s plight. Automation of the tax department would be a better way to go about it. We recommend bringing the tax department under full-automation quickly,” DCCI director Rafiqul Islam Khan said.
Earlier, DCCI president Abul Kasem Khan thanked the government for accepting their proposals in budget formulation, including the introduction of a ‘tax card’ for the taxpayers.
He hoped that the scheme (tax card) would be widened further in the coming years so that all taxpayers can get special privilege.
END/UNB/
Dhaka, June 23 (UNB) - The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) on Wednesday stood against government’s policy to stop privatization of state owned enterprises (SOEs) and sought continuation of SOEs privatization policy to accelerate economic growth.
The trade body also wants stable public policy for the desired implementation of long-term development projects under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) scheme and to increase confidence in the business sector through greater protection for their investment.
“We won’t support it if the government stops privatization of SOEs. It should continue and we strongly recommend the continuation of SOEs privatization policy because it will generate funds for development activities,” said the DCCI President Abul Kasem Khan in a post-budget press conference held at its conference room today.
Khan said they want “standardised guidelines,” whoever comes to power, for PPP in order to implement unimpeded long-term projects, saying “it will boost investment and our confidence.”
The trade body head also came up with a number of budgetary recommendations for the government including quick finalization of coal policy, declaration of industrial policy, additional allocation for the power and energy sectors, special allocations for a better transportation system in Dhaka and reduction of tax at source to achieve the targeted GDP growth and required economic development.
The DCCI president thinks the targeted 6.7 percent GDP (gross domestic product) growth is achievable if the shortcomings including electricity crisis are addressed properly.
“We proposed an allocation of Tk 10,000 crore for the development of power and energy sector. We still feel that the proposed allocation (Tk 6115 crore) is insufficient and it should be increased to boost investment and businessmen’s confidence,” Abul Kasem said.
With regards to the inadequate transportation system in capital city, DCCI sought a special allocation of Tk 5000 crore for the betterment of Dhaka city transportation.
DCCI lauded government for paying special attention to the railways sector and urged the government to create a separate ministry titled ‘Ministry of Railways’, which the DCCI thinks will help achieve the desired level of development in the communication sector.
DCCI drew the government’s attention to the development of the Dhaka-Chittagong Economic Corridor (DCEC) to facilitate country’s decentralized development apart from improving transportation between Dhaka-Chittagong.
Reminding the government of the need for a quick announcement of industrial policy, the DCCI president said they want to see a synchronization of industrial policy and fiscal policy to accelerate industrialization in the country.
Replying to a question, the DCCI boss said he does not think the size of ADP (annual development programme) is challenging, rather its proper implementation is. “The government should prioritize the projects.”
While presenting a case study on the impact of the proposed tax hike at source, DCCI director Asif Ibrahim said: “It’ll be an unwise move to increase the tax at source from existing 0.25 percent to 1 percent.”
Asif said the export sector is already losing its competitiveness due to volatile raw material prices and if the government does not withdraw the decision it will badly hamper exports. “We urge the government to keep the existing tax at source which is 0.25 percent.”
Other DCCI recommendations include increasing the ceiling of tax-free income from Tk 1.65 lakh to 2 lakh, reduction of corporate tax of listed and unlisted companies and banks, reduction of tax on company dividend income, reduction of advance income tax (AIT), reduction of import duty on raw materials from 5% to 3 % to stimulate local industry, and reduction of advance trade VAT on import.
DCCI wants proper implementation of its proposals placed to the government to simplify tax collection system and to mitigate harassment of taxpayers.
“The government’s proposal to set up tax offices across the country will increase revenue expenditure and people’s plight. Automation of the tax department would be a better way to go about it. We recommend bringing the tax department under full-automation quickly,” DCCI director Rafiqul Islam Khan said.
Earlier, DCCI president Abul Kasem Khan thanked the government for accepting their proposals in budget formulation, including the introduction of a ‘tax card’ for the taxpayers.
He hoped that the scheme (tax card) would be widened further in the coming years so that all taxpayers can get special privilege.
END/UNB/
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
CCC Polls: Over 16 lakh voters ready to choose ‘father of port city’
By AKM Moinuddin
Chittagong, June 16 (UNB) - Chittagong, second largest city of the country and its principal port city, goes to the polls Thursday amid tight security to elect the ‘father’ of the country’s commercial capital, and the councilors he will work with for the next five years.
Nearly 16, 94,955 voters of the port city with a good number of young voters will choose a city father from two key contestants - ruling party backed Nagorik Committee candidate Alhaj ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury (ship) and opposition BNP-backed Chittagong Unnayan Andolon candidate Alhaj M Monzur Alam (pineapple).
Through Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) polls, Bangladesh will enter into the digital voting system on a limited scale - a step forward in the modernization of the country's electoral process after the preparation of voter list with photographs.
The non-stop eight-hour voting period will begin at 8:00am to elect a mayor, 41 ward councilors and 14 women ward councilors for reserved seats.
The government has declared a public holiday in the country's commercial capital to facilitate the polls, which are taking place after five years.
Ruling party-backed Nagorik Committee Candidate Mohiuddin was elected mayor for a third consecutive term in the year 2005 by defeating former state minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Mir Mohammad Nasir Uddin when BNP was in power.
New voters, not less than 5.56 lakh of which nearly 90 percent represent the educated and technology-driven society, will likely be the key factor in the election. The number of voters during the last CCC polls held in 2005 was 11.38 lakh, which increased to 15, 78,782 ahead of the last parliamentary elections (2008). Later in 2009, the voter list of CCC was updated again, adding another 1.24 lakh fresh voters. Two key candidates vying for Mayor - ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury of ruling Awami League and Monzur Alam Monzu of BNP targeted the new voters during their just-concluded campaign. Mohiddin, a three-time Mayor already, used digital technology during his election campaign to attract the young voters.
Meanwhile, the district election commission has completed its preparations for introducing the electronic voting system through EVM (electronic voting machine) in tomorrow’s CCC polls.
Earlier, Election Commission decided to introduce e-voting only in ward number 21 (Jamalkhan), which has 14 polling centers.
A total of 25,315 voters of Jamalkhan ward will have the experience of exercising their voting rights in tomorrow’s elections through electronic voting system for the first time.
Returning Officer Jesmin Tuli told reporters on Wednesday that the EC has taken necessary preparation to hold the elections in free, fair and credible manner.
Nearly 50 lakh ballot papers, 6000 transparent ballot boxes and Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) for Jamalkhan ward have already been distributed.
Seven candidates are contesting for the mayoral post, but ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury and M Manzur Alam Manzu are major contenders. Five others - all independent mayor candidates - are Syed Sajjad Zoha, Mohammad Ibrahim, Jane Alam, Mofajjal Hossain Bhuiyan and Rafiqul Alam.
A total of 21 candidates contested for the mayoral post in the last election held in 2005.
Over 20,000 security personnel comprising six companies of the Army along with the police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and border force have already been deployed to maintain law and order during the polls.
The election has become a prestige issue for the ruling party Awami League (AL) and the BNP-led four-party coalition.
The CCC polls grabbed the media spotlight, as it is a crucial test of popularity of the two major political camps. The poll results may also shape the coming days' politics for both the government and opposition camps.
A good number of local and foreign observers have already reached the port city to observe the much-talked-about polls.
On the other hand, Home Ministry has formed a ‘Coordination cell on maintaining Law and Order’ on the eve of the CCC elections. Official sources said joint secretary (Political) of the ministry Dr Kamal Ahmed Siddique has been coordinating the activities of the coordination cell while Deputy Secretary (Political) has given necessary assistance. The Coordination cell has been set up at room no.318 of the ministry and the phone number for it is 02-7171580. Fax no. 02-7162753.
CCC POLLS AT A GLANCE:
Total Voters: 16, 94,955 (during last CCC polls- 11, 38,000)
Number of Male Voters: 8, 77, 790
Number of Female Voters: 8, 17, 165
Number of Candidates for Mayoral Post: 7 (for 1 post)
Number of Ward Councilors: 249 (for 41 posts)
Reserved Seats for Women: 59 (for 14 posts)
Number of Polling Centers: 674
Number of Sensitive Polling Centers: 222
Number of Election Officials: 15,525
Number of Presiding Officers: 674
Assistant Presiding Officers: 4753
Number of Polling Officers: 9596
Number of Police Check Posts: 120
Security Personnel: Over 20,000 (6 companies of the Army along with the police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and border guards).
Chittagong, June 16 (UNB) - Chittagong, second largest city of the country and its principal port city, goes to the polls Thursday amid tight security to elect the ‘father’ of the country’s commercial capital, and the councilors he will work with for the next five years.
Nearly 16, 94,955 voters of the port city with a good number of young voters will choose a city father from two key contestants - ruling party backed Nagorik Committee candidate Alhaj ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury (ship) and opposition BNP-backed Chittagong Unnayan Andolon candidate Alhaj M Monzur Alam (pineapple).
Through Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) polls, Bangladesh will enter into the digital voting system on a limited scale - a step forward in the modernization of the country's electoral process after the preparation of voter list with photographs.
The non-stop eight-hour voting period will begin at 8:00am to elect a mayor, 41 ward councilors and 14 women ward councilors for reserved seats.
The government has declared a public holiday in the country's commercial capital to facilitate the polls, which are taking place after five years.
Ruling party-backed Nagorik Committee Candidate Mohiuddin was elected mayor for a third consecutive term in the year 2005 by defeating former state minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Mir Mohammad Nasir Uddin when BNP was in power.
New voters, not less than 5.56 lakh of which nearly 90 percent represent the educated and technology-driven society, will likely be the key factor in the election. The number of voters during the last CCC polls held in 2005 was 11.38 lakh, which increased to 15, 78,782 ahead of the last parliamentary elections (2008). Later in 2009, the voter list of CCC was updated again, adding another 1.24 lakh fresh voters. Two key candidates vying for Mayor - ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury of ruling Awami League and Monzur Alam Monzu of BNP targeted the new voters during their just-concluded campaign. Mohiddin, a three-time Mayor already, used digital technology during his election campaign to attract the young voters.
Meanwhile, the district election commission has completed its preparations for introducing the electronic voting system through EVM (electronic voting machine) in tomorrow’s CCC polls.
Earlier, Election Commission decided to introduce e-voting only in ward number 21 (Jamalkhan), which has 14 polling centers.
A total of 25,315 voters of Jamalkhan ward will have the experience of exercising their voting rights in tomorrow’s elections through electronic voting system for the first time.
Returning Officer Jesmin Tuli told reporters on Wednesday that the EC has taken necessary preparation to hold the elections in free, fair and credible manner.
Nearly 50 lakh ballot papers, 6000 transparent ballot boxes and Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) for Jamalkhan ward have already been distributed.
Seven candidates are contesting for the mayoral post, but ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury and M Manzur Alam Manzu are major contenders. Five others - all independent mayor candidates - are Syed Sajjad Zoha, Mohammad Ibrahim, Jane Alam, Mofajjal Hossain Bhuiyan and Rafiqul Alam.
A total of 21 candidates contested for the mayoral post in the last election held in 2005.
Over 20,000 security personnel comprising six companies of the Army along with the police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and border force have already been deployed to maintain law and order during the polls.
The election has become a prestige issue for the ruling party Awami League (AL) and the BNP-led four-party coalition.
The CCC polls grabbed the media spotlight, as it is a crucial test of popularity of the two major political camps. The poll results may also shape the coming days' politics for both the government and opposition camps.
A good number of local and foreign observers have already reached the port city to observe the much-talked-about polls.
On the other hand, Home Ministry has formed a ‘Coordination cell on maintaining Law and Order’ on the eve of the CCC elections. Official sources said joint secretary (Political) of the ministry Dr Kamal Ahmed Siddique has been coordinating the activities of the coordination cell while Deputy Secretary (Political) has given necessary assistance. The Coordination cell has been set up at room no.318 of the ministry and the phone number for it is 02-7171580. Fax no. 02-7162753.
CCC POLLS AT A GLANCE:
Total Voters: 16, 94,955 (during last CCC polls- 11, 38,000)
Number of Male Voters: 8, 77, 790
Number of Female Voters: 8, 17, 165
Number of Candidates for Mayoral Post: 7 (for 1 post)
Number of Ward Councilors: 249 (for 41 posts)
Reserved Seats for Women: 59 (for 14 posts)
Number of Polling Centers: 674
Number of Sensitive Polling Centers: 222
Number of Election Officials: 15,525
Number of Presiding Officers: 674
Assistant Presiding Officers: 4753
Number of Polling Officers: 9596
Number of Police Check Posts: 120
Security Personnel: Over 20,000 (6 companies of the Army along with the police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and border guards).
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Bangladesh needs stable public policies for sustainable industrialization: UNIDO DG, Lack of proper infrastructure key barrier to development; he says
By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, June 8 (UNB) - Bangladesh needs stable public policies with a risk-free political environment to attract large volume foreign investment and drive sustainable industrialization, Director General of United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Dr Kandeh K Yumkella said on Tuesday.
“Stable public policy is very important for sustainable industrialization because it takes an average of three to five years to complete a major investment process….companies are very concerned about having stable public policy,” Dr Kandeh said while talking to journalists at the VIP Lounge of the Shah Jalal International Airport today.
Replying to a question the UNIDO head said lack of proper infrastructure is the key barrier to industrialization, which is common in other developing countries.
“The investors need to be convinced that you (Bangladesh) have solid infrastructure on the ground. And secondly Bangladesh needs confidence that investment assets will be protected….I think Bangladesh is way ahead in establishing such a level of confidence,” Dr Kandeh, who came here on three-visit said.
He emphasized good public policies that provide incentive and regulations to ensure that green technologies are adopted. “Bangladesh needs to adopt green technologies to make its growing industrial sector sustainable.”
Expressing satisfaction over the implementation of the UNIDO-supported programmes in Bangladesh, the UN body chief said it is working together with Bangladesh to set up a National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC) which will look at the whole concept of ‘greening industry.’
“The NCPC will be based on four major pillars--- reduce the use of natural resources, to be energy efficient, to optimise water use, and reducing effluents, which will all be part of our ‘greening industry’,” he said, adding that they will also help Bangladesh in managing clinical waste.
He said they have identified some additional areas of cooperation including medical waste management in discussion with the Bangladesh government.
“We’re looking at the whole area of hazardous medical waste, which is a growing problem in a numbers of countries. We’ll be developing a new programme dealing with hazardous medical waste. Your Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is also concern about it,” the UNIDO chief said.
On the downward trend of funding, he said they would advocate internationally for funding though bilateral funding is decreasing. The UN is advocating the private sector across the world to come and invest in Bangladesh.
“There are lots of international banks and companies which are looking for opportunities for green investment… it’s a growing area now internationally. We’re working together with public and private entities to give confidence so that a large volume of investment can be attracted,” the UN body chief said.
Appreciating the remarkable progress of the country’s readymade garments and pharmaceutical industries, Dr Kandeh said: “Bangladesh can be an example to other developing countries as it has proven its capacity in these sectors.”
He said there is no doubt that poverty cannot be eradicated without industrialization.
“I’ve visited some factories, it was really impressive to see what your country has done in expanding industrial production….some of your companies are very competitive globally and they are producing international standard products and exporting to major international markets,” he said.
Talking about the outcome of his three-day visit here, Kandeh said: “We’re very pleased to come here. We had very clear reasons, first of all we reviewed the programs that we’ve been doing here, to see what we’ve achieved, what’s the opinion of Bangladeshi institutions and government.”
He said they wanted to engage in dialogue with the government and all stakeholders in the private sector as well, and inform relevant parties about their concept of greening industry.
“We also explored new areas where the Bangladesh government believes they need our support for implementing its Vision 2021,” he said.
The UN body chief thinks his visit has been very fruitful with their work showing some very solid results which are financed by the European Union and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD).
END/UNB/AKM/
Dhaka, June 8 (UNB) - Bangladesh needs stable public policies with a risk-free political environment to attract large volume foreign investment and drive sustainable industrialization, Director General of United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Dr Kandeh K Yumkella said on Tuesday.
“Stable public policy is very important for sustainable industrialization because it takes an average of three to five years to complete a major investment process….companies are very concerned about having stable public policy,” Dr Kandeh said while talking to journalists at the VIP Lounge of the Shah Jalal International Airport today.
Replying to a question the UNIDO head said lack of proper infrastructure is the key barrier to industrialization, which is common in other developing countries.
“The investors need to be convinced that you (Bangladesh) have solid infrastructure on the ground. And secondly Bangladesh needs confidence that investment assets will be protected….I think Bangladesh is way ahead in establishing such a level of confidence,” Dr Kandeh, who came here on three-visit said.
He emphasized good public policies that provide incentive and regulations to ensure that green technologies are adopted. “Bangladesh needs to adopt green technologies to make its growing industrial sector sustainable.”
Expressing satisfaction over the implementation of the UNIDO-supported programmes in Bangladesh, the UN body chief said it is working together with Bangladesh to set up a National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC) which will look at the whole concept of ‘greening industry.’
“The NCPC will be based on four major pillars--- reduce the use of natural resources, to be energy efficient, to optimise water use, and reducing effluents, which will all be part of our ‘greening industry’,” he said, adding that they will also help Bangladesh in managing clinical waste.
He said they have identified some additional areas of cooperation including medical waste management in discussion with the Bangladesh government.
“We’re looking at the whole area of hazardous medical waste, which is a growing problem in a numbers of countries. We’ll be developing a new programme dealing with hazardous medical waste. Your Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is also concern about it,” the UNIDO chief said.
On the downward trend of funding, he said they would advocate internationally for funding though bilateral funding is decreasing. The UN is advocating the private sector across the world to come and invest in Bangladesh.
“There are lots of international banks and companies which are looking for opportunities for green investment… it’s a growing area now internationally. We’re working together with public and private entities to give confidence so that a large volume of investment can be attracted,” the UN body chief said.
Appreciating the remarkable progress of the country’s readymade garments and pharmaceutical industries, Dr Kandeh said: “Bangladesh can be an example to other developing countries as it has proven its capacity in these sectors.”
He said there is no doubt that poverty cannot be eradicated without industrialization.
“I’ve visited some factories, it was really impressive to see what your country has done in expanding industrial production….some of your companies are very competitive globally and they are producing international standard products and exporting to major international markets,” he said.
Talking about the outcome of his three-day visit here, Kandeh said: “We’re very pleased to come here. We had very clear reasons, first of all we reviewed the programs that we’ve been doing here, to see what we’ve achieved, what’s the opinion of Bangladeshi institutions and government.”
He said they wanted to engage in dialogue with the government and all stakeholders in the private sector as well, and inform relevant parties about their concept of greening industry.
“We also explored new areas where the Bangladesh government believes they need our support for implementing its Vision 2021,” he said.
The UN body chief thinks his visit has been very fruitful with their work showing some very solid results which are financed by the European Union and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD).
END/UNB/AKM/
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